It
only took 35+ years, but two reigning kings of jazz-rock fusionBilly
Cobham and Pekka Pohjolajoin forces on the 2009 CD
release of Make My Day. An excellent intro to the music of
guitarist Tuppu Orrenmaa, andrecorded in Helsinki,
the 2008 recording of Make My Day album by the Orrenmaa Band
features Orrenmaa, Pohjola, Cobham and a host of other gifted players
blazing away on an upbeat, sometimes rocking, sometimes funky / jazzy,
supercharged instrumental power fusion album that also benefits from
the uptown edge of the Tower Of Power horns.
A relatively unknown guitarist here in the U.S. but one who has a
track record in his native Finland, Tuppu clearly channels the sonic
powers of Cobham and of course Pekka Pohjolaone
of the leading, classic 70s European fusion pioneers who specialized
in complex, supremely melodic rock orchestrations that often featured
full horn sections and orchestral strings. The pairing of Orrenmaas
well crafted electric guitar work and compositions with Cobhams
incredible drumming skills and Pohjolas astonishing bass licks
makes for an unforgettable jazz-rock experience. Commenting on working
with such illustrious jazz fusion heroes, Tuppu adds, 'Cobham's
Spectrum and Mahavishnu's Birds Of Fire have been my
favourite albums since I was a teenager. I have always also admired
Pekka Pohjola's music and his unique way thinking of composing fusion
music.' Tuppu's guitar work is exemplary throughout the CD. Speaking
about his gear he adds, 'My main guitar is modified Peavey T60, which
I've played since 1979. I also use Roland GR 700 (same as Metheny
and McLaughlin use) guitar synthesizer when arranging horn and keyboard
parts for my tunes. In some tunes in a studio situation I also use
my Guild Starfire semi-hollow-body 12 string electric guitar.' Several
other key Finnish musicians take part including Pekka Pohjolas
son Verneri Pohjola (trumpet) and keyboardist Pekka Tyni,
whos brother Seppo Tyni was one of Pohjolas finest recording
guitarists. There is however a dark cloud to this silver lining. The
set closing nearly 13 minute Heavy Pop is dedicated to
Pekka Pohjola, who sadly passed away after recording the album, at
the age of 56 on November 27, 2008. A shame this took way so long
to become a reality, especially for Cobham fans from the Mahavishnu
Orchestra days and those who thrilled to Pekkas instrumental
classical rock albums. With this much vital musical energy released
to the cosmos in his name, Im sure Pekka is smiling down from
heaven today. www.myspace.com/tuppuorrenmaa